Larry Pressler: “Today I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting those whose contributions too often are taken for granted-- our…”

“Today I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting those whose contributions too often are taken for granted-- our Nation's small business men and women. The local market, gas station, pharmacy, and cafe are everyday fixtures, but they form the cornerstones of a community. These small businesses make the difference. They create jobs, provide necessary services and knit people together. Without this entrepreneurial spirit, many of our towns and small cities would cease to exist. This week has been designated National Small Business Week. It is fitting that we recognize the quiet perseverance of our Nation's small businesses. Small businesses form the base of our economy. Their job creation brought us through the recent recession. Between 1980 and 1990, small firms in our country created two out of every three jobs. Our 21.3 million small businesses collectively are the world's third largest economic power, ranking only behind the U.S. economy as a whole and Japan. Quite simply, these entrepreneurs are the key to our economic strength.”